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Texas
22nd May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Drones deployed for school safety

Eight schools in Florida and Georgia are set to pilot a new safety approach using drones to combat school shootings. Deltona High School in Florida will install 39 drones designed to distract attackers with high-pitched sounds and nonlethal pepper balls. “Quite frankly, this is the future,” said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood during a demonstration. The drones will be activated by educators through an emergency alert system, allowing professional pilots to respond within 15 seconds. However, safety experts like Michael Dorn caution that the technology is unproven and may distract from essential safety practices. The initiative is backed by state grants, with Florida and Georgia allocating $550,000 each for the pilot programs. Critics argue that while innovative, the drones may not effectively address the complexities of real-life emergencies.

TEXAS COMPLIANCE GUIDE

Stay Ahead of Texas Training Requirements

Keeping up with Texas compliance mandates can be complex, and gaps can put districts at risk. This Texas compliance guide breaks down critical requirements, from bloodborne pathogens to suicide prevention, so districts can quickly identify gaps, align training, and stay audit-ready.

Download Guide

 

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Texas schools ace safety audit

The Texas Education Agency's annual audit report on school safety reveals that around 90% of school districts in Texas are effectively enhancing security and emergency preparedness. "What we found in the report is that schools are doing very well," said John Scott, chief of School Safety & Security at the agency. The report indicates that over 86% of campuses had "no findings" in initial security phases, highlighting high compliance rates in critical safety areas. However, challenges remain, including gaps in exterior door security and threat assessment training. The report does not specify which districts faced security issues, leaving the performance of Houston-area schools unclear.

Four years later: Uvalde's lessons

An Austin-American Statesman editorial argues that Uvalde remains marked by the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, in which 19 students and two teachers were killed. Veronica Mata, whose daughter Tess died, said: “I’m still not healed.” The editorial says Texas lawmakers responded with more than $2bn for school security, including armed officers, audits, infrastructure, training and mental health support, but failed to address gun access. It points to continuing gaps in locked doors, officer staffing, emergency communication and response procedures, while noting broad polling support for background checks and red flag laws. The board argues Texas has focused on “security theater” rather than policies aimed at preventing gun violence.

NATIONAL NEWS

White House withholds more than $2bn in congressionally-approved education funding

The Trump administration is withholding more than $2bn in U.S. Department of Education funding approved by Congress earlier this year by delaying a routine federal budget process known as “apportionment,” raising concerns about potential disruptions to education programs and possible legal challenges. As of May 21, the White House Office of Management and Budget had withheld full or partial funding for 34 education programs, including more than $1.8bn tied to competitive grant programs and most of the $790m allocated to the Institute of Education Sciences, the department’s research arm. The administration has previously proposed eliminating all 33 competitive grant programs and sharply cutting research funding, proposals Congress rejected in the fiscal 2026 budget. While larger formula funding streams such as Title programs and special education grants remain unaffected, education advocates and budget experts warned that prolonged delays could prevent the Education Department from issuing grants or renewing existing programs later this year. More than $1bn of the withheld funding could expire and return to the Treasury within four months if not released. The administration said it is reviewing federal spending to ensure alignment with presidential priorities rather than distributing funds “on autopilot.” Critics argue the strategy represents an unprecedented use of the apportionment process and could violate federal laws prohibiting the executive branch from refusing to spend money appropriated by Congress.

Social-media companies settle school district lawsuit

Meta, TikTok, Snap, and YouTube have settled a lawsuit brought by a Kentucky school district accusing social-media platforms of designing addictive features that harm young users, avoiding what would have been the first jury trial among more than 1,200 similar cases filed by school districts across the United States. The settlement with Breathitt School District, which serves roughly 1,700 students, came just weeks before a scheduled June trial in federal court in California. Financial terms were not disclosed. Meta was the final major platform to settle after TikTok, Snap, and YouTube reached agreements with the district earlier this month. The lawsuits argue that platform features such as infinite scrolling, push notifications, and engagement-driven algorithms contribute to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and other mental-health problems among students, forcing schools to spend more on counseling services, monitoring software, and related support programs. In separate, ongoing litigation, more than 40 states have also filed lawsuits that claim Meta’s products cause safety issues for young people.

FINANCE

Budget cuts spark community outrage

As Austin ISD grapples with a $181m deficit, community members, including parents and teachers, are expressing their concerns during school board meetings. Many feel that the district's late posting of budget presentations hampers their ability to provide informed feedback. “It's hard to make public comment if you don't know what the presentation is,” said Lisa Flores, an advocate for special education. While Austin ISD claims to adhere to transparency laws, experts argue that more detailed information should be shared earlier to foster public engagement. Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, emphasized: “If there are already documents and already information available... the public deserves to see this.” The district plans to comply with new regulations requiring earlier budget disclosures, but many parents still seek clearer communication about when to participate.

Houston ISD proposes pay hike amid healthcare costs

Houston ISD is proposing a 4% general pay increase for eligible employees and plans to raise the minimum wage to $17 per hour to address rising healthcare costs. Monica Zdrojewski, HISD's Chief of Staff, pointed out: "As employee rates have not kept up with increasing costs in the healthcare space, these contribution levels have created increasing financial pressure on our health insurance plan." The district anticipates spending an additional $4m on health insurance and $5m to increase pay for minimum-wage employees. Despite these increases, HISD has faced health insurance-related deficits over the past three fiscal years and expects health expenses to exceed revenues by $25m for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The budget workshop is part of the preparation for the upcoming $2.1bn budget vote in June.

Round Rock ISD budget update revealed

Round Rock ISD administrators provided a financial update for the 2026-27 budget year, indicating a potential surplus of $291,000. Chief financial officer Dennis Covington presented a budget projection showing $486.2m in revenue against $485.9m in expenses. However, human resources chief Eddie Curran emphasized that without additional funds, raises for teachers not covered by House Bill 2 would be impossible. "There will be no additional funding from the state this year to support districtwide pay increases," Curran said. To fund a 2% pay raise and increase starting teacher salaries to $58,000, a 5-cent tax rate increase may be necessary, potentially generating $10m in additional revenue. The district is also facing staffing reductions and requests from the teacher union for higher wages and bonuses. 

Budget priorities set for Clear Creek ISD

Clear Creek ISD's board of trustees approved the fiscal year 2026-27 budget priorities during a meeting on May 18, led by chief financial officer Alice Benzaia. The plan aims for a balanced budget by FY 2027-28 through revenue increases and expense reductions. Benzaia highlighted the importance of maximizing eight enrichment pennies, generating about $2.2m each, and noted the impact of the 2023 voter-approval tax rate election, which adds three “golden pennies” for an estimated $18m-$20m annually. The district faces challenges with declining enrollment, projecting a loss of at least 1,000 students for the 2026-27 school year.

DISTRICTS

Austin ISD board faces major changes

The Austin ISD board is set for significant changes as three of its five trustees, Andrew Gonzales, David Kauffman, and Arati Singh, will not seek reelection in the upcoming November elections. This turnover comes after a tumultuous year for the district, including the controversial closure of 10 campuses to save $21.5m, which sparked backlash from families. The board is also preparing to address comprehensive attendance boundary changes for the first time in decades, impacting thousands of students. Gonzales, who has served since 2022, expressed the challenges of his role, stating: “There have been a lot of good things over the past four years but there have been a lot of challenges and it's heavy work.”

College Station ISD's cautious budgeting approach

College Station ISD leaders are navigating a new era of cautious budgeting due to shifting enrollment trends and uncertain state funding. Superintendent Tim Harkrider commented: "We've done everything we possibly can", emphasizing the district's financial stability despite a projected $2.5m deficit for the 2026-27 school year. The district has lost approximately 400 students over the past two years, prompting a reevaluation of staffing and operational plans. With payroll accounting for about 83.4% of spending, future decisions will heavily depend on legislative funding outcomes. Harkrider noted that while no layoffs are currently planned, the district is prepared for potential staffing reductions through attrition.

Alderwoman fights to save school

In Jones Creek, Alderwoman Nicole Hardesty is advocating for the village to be rezoned into Columbia-Brazoria ISD to prevent the closure of Stephen F. Austin Elementary. Brazosport ISD voted to shut down the school due to declining enrollment and rising operational costs. Hardesty believes that C-BISD aligns better with the community's values, stating: “That district is for us. They align with how we live.” A committee of local leaders is working to gather signatures from registered voters to support the petition for the district change.

New schools, new zones: Lamar CISD's plans

In preparation for the opening of Williams High, Urbanski Junior High, and Dresner Middle schools in the 2027-28 school year, Lamar CISD's board of trustees approved new rezoning options. Jonathan Maxwell, executive director of enrollment management for LCISD, presented three options, stating: “Each option balances student population differently while aiming to minimize disruption to existing attendance areas.” However, the attendance boundary committee recommended a fourth option to limit the number of split-zoned elementary schools. This option aims to balance enrollment and support LCISD's growth.

Belton students get virtual learning boost

Belton ISD has launched applications for a new high school virtual learning pilot program, allowing students to engage in hybrid or fully virtual coursework while participating in campus activities. The initiative aims to provide flexible educational models tailored to individual student needs.

Kerrville ISD earns national honor

Kerrville ISD recently received the prestigious Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase District designation, an honor awarded to only 86 districts nationwide. 

GOVERNANCE

New principal takes charge at Daniel Elementary

Sloan Heath has been appointed as the new principal of Daniel Elementary School in Northlake for the 2026-2027 school year, as announced by Northwest ISD. With four years of experience as an assistant principal at Haslet and Prairie View Elementary, Heath has a strong background in educational leadership, having previously worked as an intervention specialist and taught all elementary grade levels.

WORKFORCE

Lake Travis ISD boosts staff pay

Lake Travis ISD staff will receive pay increases for the 2026-27 school year, as approved by the board of trustees on May 20. “The annual review and update of the compensation plan is a critical component of the district's effort to attract and retain our high-quality staff and educators,” said Pam Sanchez, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. The plan includes a 1% midpoint pay increase, salary adjustments for special services positions, and a $1,000 retention incentive for all staff, totaling a one-time impact of $1.26m on the fund balance. The retention incentive will be funded through the sale of surplus land, with a closing expected in August.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Bus drivers get pay boost

Carroll ISD officials have approved a $1 per hour pay increase for bus drivers and aides for the fiscal year 2026-27. This decision was made during a meeting on May 18, where trustees unanimously supported the updated compensation plan. The new starting pay for a new driver will be $24 per hour. The increase replaces a previous plan that guaranteed 30 additional minutes of work, which was deemed unequal for those on the district's longest routes.

TECHNOLOGY

Waymo's partnership empowers blind students

The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) has collaborated with Waymo since 2022, providing students and staff early access to autonomous vehicle technology. TSBVI Superintendent Emily Coleman stated: "They are very forward thinking when it comes to accessibility," highlighting how the partnership has shaped Waymo's features for the blind and low-vision community. The initiative aims to enhance mobility, a significant barrier to employment and social life for individuals with disabilities. Waymo has implemented features like turn-by-turn directions and robust audio descriptions, which benefit all riders.

INTERNATIONAL

France pushes schools to support growing esports industry

France’s Education Ministry is considering special school scheduling arrangements for top esports competitors as part of the government’s national “Esports 2026–2030” strategy, despite ongoing official efforts to curb excessive screen time among children and teenagers. The proposal would allow a limited number of high-performing competitive gamers to receive adjusted academic schedules similar to those already offered to elite athletes, enabling them to travel for tournaments and maintain intensive training programs. The initiative forms part of a broader government-backed effort to position France as a leading global esports market. The strategy also includes plans to introduce esports-related extracurricular activities and digital career training programs, while promoting awareness of professional opportunities and ethical concerns tied to the industry. The initiative has sparked concerns from educators and unions regarding screen addiction, and the growing influence of commercial gaming companies within schools and the normalization of competitive gaming in educational settings.
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